Braves general manager John Coppolella resigns amid MLB probe

Braves general manager John Coppolella speaks during a baseball news conference at Turner Field in Atlanta on Oct. 1, 2015.

Braves general manager John Coppolella speaks during a baseball news conference at Turner Field in Atlanta on Oct. 1, 2015.

(Hyosub Shin / AP)

The Associated Press

The Atlanta Braves say John Coppolella has resigned as general manager after it was learned that he was the target of a Major League Baseball investigation into a violation of rules in the international player market.

Braves president John Hart will take over GM duties while the team searches for a new one.

In a statement Monday, the Braves said, "the resignation comes as a result of a breach of Major League Baseball rules regarding the international player market." Hart said the Braves will give MLB their full cooperation during the probe.

An MLB spokesman would not provide details on an ongoing investigation.

The Braves, who finished 72-90 this year, have been very active in the international market in recent years.